Clan Matheson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Clan Matheson
Clann Mhathain
Motto	Fac et spera (Do and hope)
Profile
Region	Scottish Highlands
District	Lochalsh, Sutherland
Plant badge	Broom
Animal	The lion
Chief
Sir Alexander Fergus Matheson of Matheson
The 8th baronet of Lochalsh
Historic seat	Fort Matheson, at Loch Achaidh na h-Inich
Septs of Clan Matheson Mac Mahon, Mathieson, Matheson, Mathieson, Mathewson, Matthewson, Mathie, MacBurnie, McBurney, McBurnie, Bainrson, Mingasson, MacMahthain, Mathieson, MacBurnie, MacMath, Massie, Moannach, Matheus, Mathyson, Massey
Clan branches Matheson of Lochalsh, Matheson of Bennetsfield, Mingasson
Allied clans Clan Donald Clan Mackenzie Clan Sutherland Clan Macrae Clan Mackintosh
Rival clans Clan MacLeod Clan Ross Clan Gunn

Clan Matheson (which in Scottish Gaelic is Clann Mhathain) is an old and important Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. A clan is like a large family group, often with a shared history and a chief. The Mathesons have a long history in Scotland, especially around the areas of Lochalsh, Lochcarron, and Kintail.

History of Clan Matheson

Where the Clan Name Comes From

The name Matheson has a few possible meanings. Some historians think it comes from the Gaelic Mic Mhathghamhuin, which means son of the bear. This is why the clan chief's coat of arms has two bears on it! Another idea is that MacMhathain means son of the heroes. In the Scottish Lowlands, the name Matheson simply means son of Matthew.

The chiefs of Clan Matheson are believed to be related to Kenneth MacAlpin, who was one of the first kings of Scotland. The Mathesons were given land by the Celtic Earls of Ross and settled in the western Highlands.

Early Days and Battles (13th Century)

In 1262, a Scottish army led by King Alexander III of Scotland went to the Isle of Skye. Their goal was to free the islands from the control of the kings of Norway. A leader named Kjarnac or Cormac Macmaghan (a Matheson ancestor) was part of this important expedition.

After the Battle of Largs in 1263, the Western Isles became controlled by Clan Donald. The chiefs of Clan Donald were known as the Lord of the Isles. The Clan Matheson decided to support them.

The 15th and 16th Centuries

In 1411, the Clan Matheson fought alongside Domhnall of Islay, Lord of the Isles, at the Battle of Harlaw. During this battle, the clan chief, Alasdair, was captured. At that time, it was said that Clan Matheson had more than two thousand warriors!

Later, a Matheson chief named Macmaken supported Alexander of Islay, Earl of Ross. King James I of Scotland suspected the Earl of Ross of treason. In 1427, the king arrested the earl at Inverness. Matheson was also arrested by the king and was sadly executed.

As the Lords of the Isles lost their power, the Mathesons also became less powerful. The clan then got involved in fights between the MacDonalds and the Clan Mackenzie. Iain Dubh Matheson was killed while defending Eilean Donan Castle, a strong castle belonging to the Mackenzies. He had become the castle's leader after marrying the widow of Sir Dugald Mackenzie.

Dougal MacRuadhri Matheson was an important church leader. He was the Prior of Beauly (a type of monastery leader) between 1498 and 1514 and also took part in Parliament.

An old document, the MS Account of the Gunns, says that Clan Matheson fought with Clan Mackay and the Polsons in 1517. This was at the Battle of Torran Dubh against Clan Gunn, Clan Ross, and the Murrays of Aberscross.

Most family histories of the clan agree that the next chief was Murdoch Buidhe (meaning yellow-haired), who passed away around 1602.

The 17th and 18th Centuries

Murdoch Buidhe had two sons, Roderick and Dugald. Dugald was known as of Balmacara and became an important official in Lochalsh in 1631. His descendants include John Matheson of Attadale, whose grandson, also named John, later had to sell their family lands in the Highlands.

Another part of Clan Matheson lived near Loch Shin. They had been local officials for the Earl of Sutherland since the late 1400s. Donald Matheson of Shin fought against the Jacobites during the Jacobite rising of 1715. The Jacobites were supporters of the exiled Stuart kings.

Meanwhile, the main leadership of the clan passed down through Roderick Matherson's family line. They gained lands on the Black Isle called Bennetsfield. Unlike his relatives in Sutherland, John Matheson, the second chief of Bennetsfield, supported the Jacobites. He fought at the famous Battle of Culloden in 1746.

However, many Mathesons supported the British Government during the Jacobite rising of 1745. For example, Kenneth Mathisom was a lieutenant (a junior officer) in an Independent Highland Company from Inverness. John Mathison was also a lieutenant in a company formed by the Clan Mackenzie chief, both helping the British Government.

Current Chief

The current chief of Clan Matheson is Sir Alexander Fergus Matheson, who is the 8th Baronet. He lives in Norfolk, England.

Septs of Clan Matheson

A "sept" is a family name that is considered to be part of a larger clan. These families might have been allies, lived in the clan's territory, or had a similar-sounding name. Some of the septs of Clan Matheson include:

• Bairnson
• MacBirnie
• MacBurnie
• McBurnie
• McBurney
• MacMahon
• MacMath
• MacMathon
• MacMhathain
• Massey
• Massie
• Matheson
• Mathewson
• Mathie
• Mathieson
• Mathison
• Mathyson
• Matthews
• Matthewson
• Moannach
• McLaughlin

There is also a branch of Clan Matheson that lives in Norway. Their ancestors went to Norway in 1612 as soldiers for hire, fighting for the Scots. They were captured but decided to stay in Norway. Later, they were given special titles by the Dano-Norwegian king, becoming counts and barons.

Clan Castles

Clans often had strongholds or castles that were important to their history. Here are some castles connected to Clan Matheson:

• Fort Matheson: This is now a ruin, but it was the original home of the Clan Matheson chiefs.
• Lews Castle: Located near Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis, this castle was built by the family of Sir James Matheson. He bought the property in 1846.
• Ardross Castle: This castle was first owned by Clan Munro but later became a Matheson property.
• Bennetsfield: Near Munlochy in Easter Ross, this was the site of a castle or old house. The Mathesons owned it from the late 1600s, and this branch of the clan became the chiefs.
• Shiness: Near Lairg in Sutherland, this was also the site of a castle or old house. The Mathesons held it from the 1400s and were local officials for the Earls of Sutherland.

Clan Chiefs

Here is a list of some of the important chiefs of Clan Matheson throughout history:

See also

• Scottish clan
• Matheson Baronets